Dispensing machine having multiple dual helix conveyors

ABSTRACT

An article dispensing machine having a plurality of elongated, parallel dispensers arranged in vertical and horizontal rows ans wherein each is provided with dual, parallel, spaced, helical article-delivery conveyors having convolutions wound in opposite directions. The conveyors are adapted to be simultaneously rotated in opposite directions to successively force articles from the discharge end of a respective dispenser in response to successive operations thereof. Drive mechanism for the dispensers includes a rotatable clutch member for each dispenser provided with a shiftable actuator thereon while a selection solenoid is operably associated with each actuator for shifting the latter from standby to an operated position. In the operated position, each actuator is located to engage gear structure on an associated dispenser for rotating the dual conveyors thereof in opposite directions in response to rotation of the respective clutch member. All of the clutch members are rotated simultaneously through an operating arc and then back by cables trained therearound and coupled to a common drive assembly. An operated actuator is cammed back to standby by a stop adjacent each clutch member, during return rotation of the clutch members.

United States Patent Otfutt [451 Apr. 4, 1972 [54] DISPENSING MACHINEHAVING MULTIPLE DUAL HELIX CONVEYORS [72] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: The Vendo Company, Kansas City, Mo. [22] Filed: Feb. 6,1970 [2]] Appl. No.: 9,291

Elmer Bradley Ofiutt, Independence, Mo.

Primary Examiner-Samuel F. Coleman Attorney-Schmidt, Johnson, Hovey &Williams [57 ABSTRACT An article dispensing machine having a pluralityof elongated, parallel dispensers arranged in vertical and horizontalrows ans wherein each is provided with dual, parallel, spaced, helicalarticle-delivery conveyors having convolutions wound in oppositedirections. The conveyors are adapted to be simultaneously rotated inopposite directions to successively force articles from the dischargeend of a respective dispenser in response to successive operationsthereof. Drive mechanism for the dispensers includes a rotatable clutchmember for each dispenser provided with a shiftable actuator thereonwhile a selection solenoid is operably associated with each actuator forshifting the latter from standby to an operated position. In theoperated position, each actuator is located to engage gear structure onan associated dispenser for rotating the dual conveyors thereof inopposite directions in response to rotation of the respective clutchmember. All of the clutch members are rotated simultaneously through anoperating arc and then back by cables trained therearound and coupled toa common drive assembly. An operated actuator is cammed back to standbyby a stop adjacent each clutch member, during return rotation of theclutch members.

15 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 41912 SHEET 1 BF 4 PUSH ,INVENTOR PATENTEDAPR 4 m2- 3,653,540

SHEET 2 [IF 4 -H I g 1 Q INVENTOR. E/mer (Brad/2y Offuff a I u ATORNEVS.

PATENTEDAPR 4 1972 3 653 540 SHEET 3 m4 ,4 TTORNEKS.

PATENTED 4 I972 8.653 540 SHEET 4 0F 4 ,4 TTOKNEYS.

DISPENSING MACHINE HAVING MULTIPLE DUAL HELIX CONVEYORS This inventionrelates to an article dispensing machine and particularly to a unitcapable of dispensing a variety of products wherein the customer ispermitted to view the product which he receives and automatic stockrotation is assured by virtue of first-in, first-out discharge ofarticles from each dispenser.

Products suitable for vending from a coin-operated dispensing machineare available in a large number of different packages of varying sizesand degree of product protection. For example, cigarettes are packagedin crush-proof boxes as well as flexible paper, while candy bars aregenerally simply wrapped and thereby vary in size in accordance with theparticular product. Similarly, cookies generally are wrapped incellophane or similar plastic material so that the cookies can be viewedby the customer with the dimensions of the package being dependent uponthe number and size of the cookies contained in a particular package. Inrecent years there has been increasing interest in vending bag-packitems. Quite a number of these items are now on the market. Typical arepotato chips, corn chips, popcorn, fried pork skins, a variety ofcheese-flavored products such as cheese twists, peanuts, and variouscandies and candy blends. Generally speaking, bag-packed items cannot bestacked one on top of the other since the product must be protectedagainst damage throughout handling thereof.

It can be appreciated though that the provision of a vending machinecapable of handling all of the above types of products utilizing asingle type of dispensing mechanism, while at the same time providingcustomer viewing of the next to vend product while providing forautomatic stock rotation, necessarily presents acute problems from acost standpoint because of the inherent flexibility which the machinemust possess. The machine must be capable of fabrication at a reasonablecost without sacrifice of reliability and freedom from frequentmaintenance while at the same time operable to dispense not onlyflat-pack items but bag-pack products as well with positive delivery ofthe individual items being assured in conjunction with easy and rapidreplenishment of products by the serviceman at a normal serviceinterval.

It was found that the requirements above can best be met by using thehelix conveyor principle for discharging products from respectivedispensers. Although helix delivery units are not new per se and havefound some prior acceptance, the units have had only limited commercialappeal primarily because of their high cost and the fact that they werenot suitable for receiving bag-pack as .well as flat-pack itemsinterchangeably as desired by the operator. Forexample, for customerconvenience the machine is preferably electrically operated so that itis only necessary to press a button in order to obtain access to adesired product. However, a single motor drive is a necessary feature ofthe design from a cost standpoint. Thus, the machine must be capable ofemploying selection solenoids to couple a selected dispenser to thedrive during each cycle of operation thereof. In addition, it isdesirable that a minimum number of different parts be used in the unitin order to minimize not only fabrication but inventory expenses as welland to thereby permit utilization of the maximum number of standard,interchangeable components.

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to providean article dispensing machine which meets the conditions outlined aboveand has the inherent features of being capable of dispensing not onlybag-pack items but flat-pack products as well with the customer beingpermitted to view the next vend item of each selection and with productrotation being assured by virtue of first-in, first-out dispensing ofarticles from each dispenser.

An equally important object of the invention is to provide a machine asdescribed wherein the requisites thereof are met by the use of multiple,dual helix dispensers, each having a pair of helical coils disposed inoverlying relation-ship to a product support with the convolutionsthereof wound in opposite directions so that upon rotation of the coilsof each dispenser in opposite directions during cyclic operation of themachine, products contained in the transverse spaces between alignedconvolutions are directed toward the discharge end of the support withthe endmost product being displaced from the support for delivery alonga chute to an area accessible to the customer whereby the products donot contact one another during storage and movement to dispensingdisposition for effective product protection.

In this connection, it is an important object of the invention toprovide unique drive mechanism for rotating the helical coils of aselected dispenser by a single motor notwithstanding the provision of alarge number of different dispensers for product selectivity and whereineconomy of components and operating mechanism are obtained by virtue ofthe utilization of identical rotatable clutch members for the dispensersand each provided with an actuator thereon which is normally in standbyposition but is shiftable by a selection solenoid operated by arespective customer accessible push button and with all of the clutchmembers being rotated simultaneously during each cyclic operation of themachine so that by providing a component on the selected dispenserwithin the path of the operated actuator which is rotated thereby,rotation of the product discharge helices of the dispenser selected bythe customer may be positively effected from the single motor. A furtherimportant object in this same connection is the provision of adispensing machine as described wherein simultaneous rotation of theclutch members is obtained using only a single drive motor by theprovision of a cable wound around each clutch member and attached to areciprocable member driven by the common motor mechanism so that duringoperation of the motor, all of the clutch members are rotatedsimultaneously by the cable wound therearound.

A further important object of the invention is therefore to provide' adispensing unit wherein the use of cable-driven clutch members havingselection actuators thereon which are shifted into operable dispositionby a corresponding selection solenoid permits mounting of the individualproduct dispensers on guideways therefor so that each dispenser may bepulled out of the cabinet in a direction away form the drive clutchesfor refilling of the dispenser without re-timing of the dual helixdispenser conveyors with respect to the drive therefor being required.

A still further important object of the invention is to provide adispensing unit employing tow helical conveyors on each dispenser whichreceive products within the transverse spaces between alignedconvolutions thereof in a manner such that the products rest on thefloor of the dispenser support and slide therealong ratherthan beingsupported by the convolutions of the conveyor so that the productsalways remain in generally perpendicular relationship to their paths oftravel, cannot become twisted in a manner to interfere with rotation ofthe helices, and may be accommodated over a relatively wide range ofshapes and sizes.

Another specific object of the invention is to provide multiple, dualhelix article dispensing structure which lends itself to economicalconstruction by virtue of the fact that many of the parts, including thehelix conveyors, are of standard construction and may be used indispensers of various widths as desired by simply varying the relativedisposition thereof or the distance between the convolutions ofrespective helical coils.

A still further specific aim of the invention is to provide a dispensingunit as described wherein the dual helix conveyors of each dispenser aredisposed in relative relationship such that the outermost andextremities thereof are disposed in locations wherein each isessentially a mirror image position of the other whereby rotation of thehelical coils in opposite directions through respective arcs of 360assures discharge of a product from a respective support without anyproblem of the convolutions of the coils interfering with gravitationaldischarge of the product from the horizontal shelf.

Also an important object of the invention is to provide a multiple dualhelix dispensing machine wherein the individual dispensers may bereplaced at will without alteration of the drive mechanism therefor,thus permitting operator variation of the products to be dispensed fromthe machine, not only from the standpoint of the relative positions ofthe products in the cabinet, but also the types 'of products vendabletherefrom.

Other important objects and details of the present invention will becomeobvious or be explained in greater detail as the description hereunderprogresses.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an article dispensing machineembodying the preferred concepts of the present invention andillustrating the customer selection buttons, the individual dispensersarranged in vertical and horizontal rows, and a product access station;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view on an enlarged scale of thepower drive panel of the machine which is normally located at the rearof the cabinet shown in Fig. l, but is illustrated as removed therefromfor clarity;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view takenalong line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged, detailed view of the com mon driveassembly as illustrated in the lower right-hand corner of FIG. 2 andshowing the relative positions of the drive arms and links which arereciprocated by the drive motor;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view through thecabinet as shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating one of the dispensersstocked with bag-pack products, with the loading position of thedispenser being illustrated by dashed lines, and the sold-out sensor ofthe conveyor in its normal position when held down by one or moreproducts on the support of the dispenser;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a number of thedispensers of the unit with the right-hand dispenser shown in full beingprovided with spacer rods adapting the same for receiving significantlynarrower items than the dispenser of Fig. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the dispenser guides andillustrating the same in disposition for receiving the upper tabs of arespective dispenser, it being understood that the guide is used forboth the upper and lower portions of each dispenser for purposes ofeconomy in fabricating the machine;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 5 with partsbeing broken away for clarity and to better illustrate the drive gearsforming a part of the dispenser to effect rotation of the helical coilsin opposite directions;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 8and better showing the wire retainer for holding the dispenser in itsoperative position;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view taken along line10-10 of FIG. 9 to better illustrate the gear train of the dispenser aswell as the detent for preventing retrograde rotation of the gears;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the right-hand dispenser asillustrated in Fig. 6 but in this instance, showing the sold-out sensorin its normally uppermost position by virtue of exhaustion of productsfrom that dispenser;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser illustrated in FIG.11 and showing the drive cam which is driven by an operated actuator onan associated drive clutch member forming a part of the drive mechanismillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the line13-13 ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of the right-hand side of thedispenser illustrated in FIG. 11 and showing the product guide withinthe right-hand coil for maintaining narrow items in central dispositionrelative to the sidewalls of the dispenser;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of the rear portion of thecabinet showing the rear wall thereof, the inside surface of the powerpanel, and a rotatable clutch member provided with a shiftable actuatorthereon illustrated in its normal unactuated position, as well as theselection solenoid for such actuator and with the rear wall of thecabinet being pro-vided with a teardrop-shaped opening therein toprovide clearance for coupling the respective dispenser with thecorresponding clutch member;

FIG. 16 is essentially a cross-sectional view on the line 16 16 of FIG.15 but in addition illustrating the cam coupling and driven gear forminga part of the dispenser associated with the respective clutch member;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to FIG. 15 but showingthe actuator on the clutch member in the operated position thereof byvirtue of energization of the selection solenoid associated therewith,while the dispenser drive cam is illustrated in phantom lines since itsits in front of the structure illustrated;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 17 but with the clutchmember shown in its position after rotation thereof to drive theassociated helical coils of the corresponding dispenser and in thisinstance being returned toward its initial position with therelationship of the operated actuator with respect to an actuator returnstop being detailed;

FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the clutch member whichillustrates the cam surfaces on the normally rear face thereof forassuring return of the armature of the selection solenoid to its initialposition; and

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on the irregularline 20-20 of FIG. 17 to better illustrate the cam arm or lug on theactuator which is disposed to engage the operating cam component of thecorresponding dispenser.

The article dispensing machine illustrated in the overall view of FIG. 1is broadly designated 22 with the front, outwardly swingable door 24being shown in elevation and which, for purposes of illustration, isprovided with a rectangular opening 26 therein covered with a glasspanel 28. The product selection push buttons 30 to the right of opening26 permit the customer to select a product from any one of thedispensers 32 within the cabinet. Thus, one button 30 is provided foreach dispenser 32 with the latter being of the dual helix type andmounted in vertical and horizontal rows at a height for ready viewing ofthe products carried thereby by a customer standing in front of themachine 22. Although not illustrated since it forms no part of thepresent invention, it is to be understood that suitable coin controlmechanism is provided in association with push buttons 30 to precludeactuation of one of the dispensers 32 until after appropriate moneydeposit has been made in the machine. Generally, the coinage willinclude mechanism for returning change to the customer if his depositexceeds the price of an article selected, and it is also desirable thatthe machine be capable of dispensing products at various prices. Thefront door 24 carries chute structure (not shown) on the rear facethereof for guiding products de-livered from dispensers 32 into acollection area behind a swingable panel 34 which also includescomponents which prevent the customer from gaining access to dispensers32 when panel 34 has been pushed inwardly so that the customer may graspan article delivered to the collection area.

Since the dispensers 32 are essentially identical in construction withthe exception of the pitch of the helical conveyors and the width of therespective drawers as well as guide structure for products receivedtherein, only a limited number of the dispensers have been shown indetail in the drawings. In addition, it is to be understood thatalthough the drawers have been shown as being of the same width forsimplicity, they actually can be of differing width although desirable,all drawers in a particular vertical row are of the same horizontalwidth.

Thus, referring to FIGS. 5 to 14 inclusive, it is to be noted that therepresentative dispenser 32 is of generally U-shaped configurationdefining a drawer formed by the horizontal floor support 36 providedwith upright sides 38 and 40 at opposite side margins of floor 36 andprojecting upwardly therefrom in generally parallel relationship. Theoutermost end margin 42 of floor 36 is located in spaced relationshipfrom glass panel 28 as shown in FIG. 5 so that articles such as thosedesignated 44 may gravitate downwardly between end margins 42 and theinner face of door 24 into the collection area behind access panel 34.An upright rear wall 46 connected to the end of floor 36 opposite endmargin 42 as well as to the sides 38 and 40, serves as a support for agear assembly broadly designated 48 (FIGS. 8, l0 and 13). Twohorizontal, parallel mounting shafts 50 carried by wall 46 and extendingforwardly therefrom above floor 36 each rotatably receive a cylindricalelement 52 having a hub portion 52a rotatable on a corresponding shaft50 and held thereon by a respective fastener 54 threaded into the outerend of each shaft 50. The cylindrical body portion 52b of each element52 is integral with a somewhat smaller pinion section 52c located inproximal relationship to wall 46.

The gear sections 520 of each element 52 mesh with corresponding spurgears 56 and 58. Gear 56 is an idler mounted on a shaft 60 affixed towall 46. Gear 58 has an integral shaft carried by a bearing through thewall 46. Also, as best shown in FIG. 10, gears 56 and 58 are inintermeshing relationship. One particularly important feature of thegear arrangement shown in FIG. is the fact that the shafts 50 may bemoved relatively as desired in the fabrication of dispenser 32 so longas gear sections 52c remain in intermeshing relationship to respectivegears 56 and 58. In this manner, the effective width of the dispenser 32may be varied within relatively wide limits without significant need foradditional parts and using substantially the same fabricationtechniques.

The hub portion 56a of gear 56 proximal to wall 46 has a flat surface56b thereon which is adapted to be engaged by a spring detent 64 carriedby wall 46 above the 1eft-hand element 52 as is apparent from FIGS. 8and 10. Shaft 62 projects rearwardly from wall 46 as shown in FIG. 13.The outermost extremity of shaft 62 is tapered to serve as a pilot aswell be explained, while an operating cam component 66 is secured toshaft 62 for rotating the latter in response to rotation of component66. As indicated in FIG. 12, component 66 is of generally circular shapebut has a cam-defining, inwardly directed surface 66a in radialrelationship to the axis of rotation of the component 66.

Coils 68 and 70 are provided above floor 36 of the dispenser drawer withthe coil 68 having an end segment 68a wound around the circumference ofthe upper element 52 as shown in FIG. 8, whereas the section 70a of coil70 is wound about the lower element 52. The coils are threaded onrespective elements 52 until the extremities 68b and 70b are flush withthe end margin 42 of floor 36. Integral lugs 52d projecting from theouter face of cylindrical body portion 52b of each element 52 serve asretainers to hold coils 68 and 70 firmly connected to respectiveelements 52. As is most apparent from FIG. 8, the coils 68 and 70 are ofwire which has been wound into helical configuration in oppositedirections about their respective axes. Viewing FIG. 11 it is importantto note that when the gear section 520 of respective elements 52 aremeshed with gears 56 and 58, the relative relationship of the coils 68and 70 is carefully controlled so that the end extremities 68b and 70 bare located in positions wherein each is essentially a mirror imageposition of the other. As seen in FIG. 11, the end extremities 68b and70b are adjusted to be normally located at substantially 6 oclockpositions with 360 rotation of each of the coils 68 and 70 resulting inreturn of the end portions 68b and 70b thereof to the same dispositions.

The pitch of coils 68 and 70 is determined by the size of the products44 to be discharged from a corresponding dispenser 32. That is, thespacing between convolutions may be varied as desired by the simpleexpedient of changing the pitch of the convolutions at the time ofcoiling the conveyors 68 and 70. The coil spacing is relatively narrowwhere it is desired to vend thin candy bars or flat cookie packets, forexample. The coil spacing would be greater where relatively thick itemsare to be vended. In each case though, the end extremities 68b and 70!;must be disposed in substantially the 6oclock position of FIG. 1 l toassure delivery of products from dispenser 32 without interference fromthe terminal convolutions of the coils 68 and 70.

Elongated coil guides 72 and 74 are provided inside of each of the coils68 and 70 adjacent respective sides 38 and 40 for maintaining thehelical coils in generally parallel relationship. The ends of guides 72and 74 remote from wall 46 are bent to be received within slots 76therefor in sidewalls 38 and 40 while the opposite ends of the guidesare bent inwardly and fastened to shafts 50 by fasteners 54.

It can now be seen that the convolutions of coils 68 and 70 definespaces 78 extending transversely of the floor 36 for receiving theindividual products 44 which are also maintained in spaced relationshipto protect the articles contained therein.

Means for supporting the dispensers 32 within the cabinet of machine 22preferably takes the fonn of a series of horizontal, transverselyU-shaped guideways broadly designated 80 with one of the same beingshown perspectively in FIG. 7. As is evident from FIG. 6, each of theguideways 80 is located with the U-shaped cross section thereof invertedas illustrated in FIG. 7 with the rear part of each guideway beingcarried by rear wall 82 of the cabinet, while the forwardmost ends ofthe guideways are secured to crosspieces 84 of the cabinet behind panel28. The crosspieces 84 are located in parallel, vertically stackedrelationship extending across the width of the cabinet. The verticalspacing between guideways 80 is sufficient to clear the rear wall 46 ofeach dispenser 32 with upstanding tab 86 on each rear wall 46 slidablyreceived within a corresponding guideway 80 as illustrated in FIG. 6.Wall 46 has a notch 88 in the bottom margin thereof (FIG. 12) forclearing the guideway 80 immediately therebelow. The irregularlyconfigured wire 37 carried by each dispenser adjacent the forwardmostmargin thereof has a depending hook portion which is normally receivedin a slot of 36a of floor 36. In this manner the drawer defined by floor36, sides 38 and 40, and rear wall 46, after lifting thereof to clearhood 37, may slide longitudinally of guideways 80 but complete removalof the dispenser 32 from the cabinets is impeded when tab 46 engages thecrosspiece 84 supporting the guideway 80 above the dispenser beingpulled outwardly for service. The normal disposition of the dispenser 32for loading purposes is illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 5.However, the dispenser 32 can be removed from the guideways 80 ifdesired by simply lifting up on the front end of the dispenser until thelower margin of wall 46 clears the lower guideway 80 therebelowwhereupon the entire drawer may be moved downwardly until the tab 76thereon clears the crosspiece 84 in proximal relationship thereto.

The drive panel 90 for machine 22 is removable as an assembly as shownin FIG. 2 and comprises a main upright wall 92 having an inturned flange94 adapted to be connected to the outer face of rear wall 82 of themachine cabinet. Preferably, the means for attaching panel 90 to thecabinet extends through wall 82 into the flange 94 so that it isimpossible to remove the drive panel from the machine unless access isgained to the interior of the cabinet by opening the door 24.

Drive panel 90 is provided with a clutch pulley assembly 96 for each ofthe dispensers 32 with assemblies 96 being aligned with a correspondingdispenser in horizontal and vertical rows as shown in FIG. 2. Since thedrive assemblies 96 are essentially identical in construction, only oneof the same has been shown in detail in the drawings. A teardrop-shapedopening 97 is provided in wall 82 for each of the assem-blies 96. Eachassembly 96 includes a clutch member 98 molded of synthetic resinmaterial and comprising a cylindrical body 100 having an outercylindrical face which is interrupted by a circumferentially extending,outwardly projecting flange 102 which extends around the periphery ofmember 98 but is interrupted around the circumference thereof to presenta cross slot 104 therein (FIG. 3) which is aligned with a groove 106 inbody 100.

Body 100 is rotatably disposed over a shaft 110 carried by andprojecting outwardly from wall 92 of panel 90 in disposition such thatthe central, axially aligned bore 112 in shaft 1 l0 complementallyreceives the outer tapered end of pin 62 of a respective dispenser 32.E-ring 113 holds body 100 on shaft 110. As shown in FIG. 16, shaft 110carried by panel wall 92 of each drive assembly 96 has a sleeve 114thereover which serves to maintain the cylindrical body 100 away fromthe proximal inner face of wall 92.

An elongated, irregularly-shaped actuator 116 is slidably and pivotallymounted on a pin 118 carried by body 100 of drive assembly 98 andshiftably received within slot 120 in actuator 116. E-ring 122 on pin118 serves to releasably hold actuator 116 on pin 118 with a washer 124underlying E-n'ng 122 of a greater diameter than the width of slot 120serving to prevent displacement of the actuator from the support pintherefor without interfering with reciprocable movement of the actuator116 with respect to the axis of pin 118. The L- shaped end 126 ofactuator 116 has a toggle spring 128 connected thereto with the oppositeend of the spring being attached to body 100 of drive member 98 withinthe passage 130 therein.

The normal standby position of the actuator 116 is shown in FIG. whereinthe point of connection of spring 128 to dogleg 126 of actuator 116 isbelow a line through pin 1 l8 and the point of connection of spring 128to body 100. As a consequence, the integral cam arm 132 of actuator 116is located in the disposition thereof shown in FIG. 15. in the standbyposition of the cam arm 132, the cam surface 132a thereof (FIG. is outof the path of surface 66a of a corresponding cam component 66 ondispenser 32 aligned therewith. Selection solenoid 136 carried by panelwall 92 proximal to drive member 98 has a coil 138 which reciprocablycarries an armature 140 provided with an integral button 140a on theouter extremity thereof disposed to engage an arm 133 of actuator 116extending through opening 134 in body 100 of drive member 98 (FIG. 16).When the armature 140 is pulled in by energization of the associatedcoil 138 button 140a engages cam arm 133 as indicated in FIG. 16 torotate actuator 116 into the disposition of the same as shown in FIG. 17wherein the point of connection of spring 138 to dogleg end 126 is abovea line through pin 118 and the point of mounting of spring 128 on body100 within passage 130 so that actuator 116 is releasably maintained inthe operated position thereof. Movement of the actuator 116 to itsoperated position results in cam arm 132 being moved to the locationthereof where the surface 132a may engage cam surface 66a of acorresponding cam component 66.

Actuator 116 in its operated position has a cam margin 142 located toproject beyond the periphery of the cylindrical surface of drive member98 during clockwise rotation thereof as illustrated in FIG. 18 wherebyactuator 116 is returned to its initial position under the bias ofspring 128 thereon when cam margin 142 is moved into engagement with astop 144 projecting outwardly from the inner face of panel wall 92 asindicated in FIGS. 17 and 18. The stop 144 is of L-shaped configurationand has a base leg portion 144a secured to panel wall 92 by a fastener146 passing therethrough. Integral, inwardly struck detents 148 embraceleg portion 144a of stop 144 outboard of the fastener 146 to preventrotation of the stop about the axis offastening means 146.

The normally rearmost face of cylindrical body 100 is provided with anoval, off-center cam ledge 150 constructed to engage button 1400 ofarmature 140 to positively return the armature in the coil 138 to itsnormal extended position, notwithstanding a tendency for the armature tobe retained within the coil because of problems such as residualmagnetism or the like.

As is apparent from FIG. 2, a flexible wire 152 such as aircraft cableis wound around each of the drive members 98 of each of the verticallyaligned rows of drive assemblies 96, with the four cables then passingaround upper and lower idlers 154 and 156 before being attached to avertically reciprocable link 158. The stretch of each cable 152 whichpasses over idler structure 154 is joined to link 158 by spring means160, while the stretches of cables 152 which are trained over loweridler structure 156 are connected directly to the upper end of the link158. For simplicity purposes, only one spring 160 has been depicted inthe drawings, but it is to be understood that a spring 160 is actuallyprovided for each of the four cables 152.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18 inclusive, it is to be noted that each cable152 is trained around the circumference of a corresponding body adjacentflange 102 and extends through groove 106 and its associated cross slot104. L-shaped retainer 162 carried by each body 100 and releasablyfastened thereto by a screw 164 rigidly secures the respective cable 152to body 100 of clutch member 98.

Link 158 has an elongated slot 166 therein which slidably receives pin168 projecting inwardly from panel wall 92, while the mounting pin 170for idler structure 156 is slidably received in a second elongated slot172 in link 158 to restrict the latter to a vertical, rectilinear pathof travel. The am 174 pivotally mounted on wall 92 below assemblies 96and pivotally coupled to the lower end of link 158, is of U-shapedtransferse configuration and receives a roller 176 rotatably mounted onan arm 178 connected to the shaft of a motor in gear unit 180 supportedby a bracket assembly 182 on panel wall 92. Switch cam 184 rotatablewith arm 178 has a notch 186 therein for receiving the switch actuator188 of a motor cutoff switch 190.

Sold-out control structure broadly designated 192 is provided on each ofthe dispensers 32 and preferably comprises an elongated wire having amain rectilinear stretch 194 extending longitudinally of a correspondingdispenser drawer above the floor 36 thereof and terminating adjacentmargin 42 as shown in FIG. 8. The opposite end of the wire is bent intogenerally L-shaped configuration and includes an intermediate stretch196 pivotally received within bracket 198 affixed to floor 36 forwardlyof wall 46, while a rear section 200 of the sold-out wire projectsthrough an opening 202 therefor in wall 46 and extends upwardlytherefrom as indicated in FIG. 12. Spring 204 engaging section 200 ofthe wire and connected to wall 46 adjacent the lower margin thereof,biases the sold-out indicator in a direction to shift stretch 194thereof away from floor 36 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Switch 206 foreach of the sold-out sensors 192 and carried by panel 92 has anelongated actuator 208 thereon which extends through a correspondingopening therefor in a cabinet wall 82 for engagement by section 200 ofthe sold-out wire. When the stretch 194 thereof is held down against theupper face of floor 36 as illustrated in FIG. 5 for example, actuator208 is held away from the contact plunger of switch 206 so that thelatter remains in its normal condition. However, upward movement ofstretch 194 upon exhaustion of products from a respective dispenser 32causes the section 200 of the sold-out wire to be rotated in a clockwisedirection viewing FIG. 5 to actuate the respective switch 206.

In FIGS. 11 and 14, the dispenser 32 illustrated therein is providedwith an elongated spacer rod 210 carried within coils 68 and 70substantially axially thereof so that relatively narrow products may bedispensed from the unit as indicated in FIG. 6. Rod 210 is coupled toshaft 50 through the fastener 54 associated therewith and to theopposite end of sidewall 38 by a bracket 212.

In readying machine 22 for operation, the serviceman opens door 24 togain access to the individual dispensers 32. While pushing upwardly onthe respective spring latch 37 at the forward end thereof, each of thedrawer-like dispensers 32 may be individually pulled outwardly into thedashed line position thereof illustrated in FIG. 5 for filling withmerchandise or replacement of the supply thereof which has been depletedsince the preceding service call.

As each dispenser 32 is pulled outwardly, the guideways 80 restrict thedrawer to a rectilinear path of travel and engagement of the tab 86 withthe crosspiece 84 immediately thereabove precludes the dispenser 32 frombeing pulled completely out of the cabinet of machine 22. It is to benoted also that the drawer assembly slants downwardly to a certainextent when withdrawn from the cabinet so as to further facilitatereplenishment of articles to be vended from machine 22.

The dispenser 32 is loaded by simply inserting articles in the spacesdefined by aligned convolutions of the coils 68 and 70 as indicated inFIG. 8 with the articles thereby being in para]- lel relationship andspaced one from the other longitudinally of the respective conveyorassemblies. In FIG. 8, the dispenser 32 illustrated therein is shown asbeing adapted for vending bag-packs such as corn chips, corn curls,potato chips, popcorn, and similar items. Thus, the spacing betweenadjacent spiral stretches of the coils 68 and 70 is such as toaccommodate the particular type of back-pack to be vended from thatdispenser. However, if much narrower items are to be vended, as forexample candy bars or the like, coils 68 and 70 may be used on thatdispenser of less pitch so that the space between adjacent spiralsections of the coils is considerably more limited than that illustratedin FIG. 8. A larger number of articles may, therefore, be accommodatedin the dispenser 32 equipped with coil conveyors 68 and 70 having asubstantially larger number of convolutions than illustrated in FIG. 8and thereby increasing the capacity of the dispenser. By the same token,the articles to be dispensed will be maintained in an upright positionsince placement of very narrow articles in coils 68 and 70 of theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8 would necessarily mean that the articleswould be inclined slightly transversely thereof when positioned in themechanism. However, such inclination does not interfere with properdispensing of the articles with the main disadvantage simply being alower overall product capacity for that particular dispenser. In likemanner, for articles of greater width than bag-packs 34, coils 68 and 70would be spaced farther apart than those shown in FIG. 8 to accommodatethe wider products.

In this connection it is to be emphasized that the operator of machine22 may change the coil conveyors 68 and 70 at will by simply unthreadingthe same from corresponding cylindrical elements 52 and replacing theconveyors with others of different pitches as desired. Since dischargeof an article from a respective dispenser 32 is accomplished by rotationof the coil conveyors 68 and 70 through one revolution, it can be seenthat discharge of a product from the outer end of a corresponding draweris independent of both the pitch of the convolutions of the coils 68 and70 and the spacing between the coils.

The spacer rods 210 as illustrated in FIGS. 6, l1 and 14 for example,are used where the articles to be vended are relatively narrow and therewould be a tendency for the products to shift toward one side or otherof the dispenser unless restrained by the centrally located guide rods210. Again it can be seen that the rods 210 are mountable at will on anyone or all of the dispensers 32 as required and also may be changed asneeded depending upon the type of article to be sold from a particulardrawer.

In this connection, it is to be noted that the products slide along thefloor 36 of a respective dispenser 32 and thus support is provided forthe articles regardless of their effective length or width as the casemay be in a direction trans-verse of the coil conveyors 68 and 70.Similarly, location of the coils 68 and 70 with their outer extremities68b and 70b disposed at essentially a 6oclock position in standby,assures discharge of a product from floor 36 during one cycle ofrotation of the coils 68 and 70 since the arcuate stretch of each coilat the outer extremity thereof which operates against the endmostproduct constantly forces the latter toward the margin 42 until the endextremities 68b and 70b return to disposition at margin 42.

When reloading machine 22 the Serviceman is forced to replenish the backspaces of each dispenser 32 which are devoid of articles and thusfirst-in, first-out vending is always assured without the necessity ofthe serviceman moving the older products into next to vend disposition.

Machine 22 is desirably constructed so that the control mechanismthereof permits sale of products from dispensers 32 at variable pricesdepending upon the particular setting for each dispensing station andfor change to be returned to the customer for any excess deposit overthe amount of money actually inserted by the customer. Similarly, themachine should have an escrow feature so that if the customer insertsmoney and then discovers that a product is sold out, he can optionallyselect another product or obtain return of his money.

When the customer pushes a selection button 30 corresponding to thedispenser 32 from which he desires to obtain a product, controlcircuitry not illustrated but which is conventional in this art isactuated to cause the solenoid 136 associated with the selecteddispenser 32 to be energized whereby armature is drawn into the coil138, thus rotating the associated actuator 116 in a clockwise directionviewing FIG. 15 as the button 140a of armature 140 engages cam arm 133to swing actuator 116 about the axis of pin 118. Toggle spring 128serves to maintain actuator 116 in its operated position as shown inFIG. 17. The cam surface 132a of cam arm 132 is now in a location toengage the cam surface 66a of cam component 66 of the selected dispenser32. Motor and gear unit is actuated through the control circuitry of themachine to rotate arm 178 in a counterclockwise direction viewing FIG.4, whereby the arm 174 is lifted to raise link 158 attached thereto.During such upward movement of the link 158 all of the cables 152 aremoved therewith to effect rotation of all of the clutch pulley members98 in a counterclockwise direction from the position illustrated in FIG.17 through arcs exceeding 360 and preferably about 410, although theexact extent of such rotation is not critical.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, there is a small gap between cam surface 132aof actuator 116 and the surface 66a of cam component 66 after actuator116 has been operated. This gap, which will vary with dimensionaltolerances must always be adequate to avoid interference with operationof actuator 116.

Upon rotation of the clutch pulley members 98 in a counterclockwisedirection during the first cycle of rotation thereof, the cam arm 132 ofthe operated actuator 1 16 moves through an arcuate displacement beforeit engages cam component 66 to rotate the latter. After engagement,there is an additional lost arcuate motion of member 98 as the load ispicked up from cam component 66 which serves to pull the cam margin 142of actuator 116 (as permitted by slot 120 therein) within the peripheryof member 98 so that cam margin 142 will not contact stop 144 duringcounterclockwise rotation of member 98. The total of the lost motionjust discussed is what makes the difference between the required 360rotation of cam component 66 and the approximate 410 rotation of themember 98.

Thus, component 66 is rotated in a clockwise direction, viewing FIG. 12,to rotate gear 56 and pinion sections 52c of elements 52. As aconsequence, elements 52 are rotated in opposite directionssimultaneously through 360 arcs. At the completion of rotation of thecoils 68 and 70 detent 64 returns to its normal position engagingsurface 56b of hub portion 56a of spur gear 56.

The operated actuator 116 has no effect on the associated cam component66 during retrograde rotation of the clutch pulley member 98 since camarm 132 is moving away from cam surface 66a. When the cam margin 142 ofthe operated actuator 116 moves into engagement with stop 144, theactuator 116 is cammed back into its original position and retainedthere by toggle spring 128 connected thereto. The cam arm 132 of thelast operated actuator 1 16 is thus moved out of the path of the camcomponent 66 so that the cam arm 132 can move past cam surface 66a ofthe associated cam component 66 upon a subsequent quent vend cycle whenit does not correspond to a dispenser from which a product is to bedispensed. Operation of the motor is discontinued when the switchoperator 188 falls back into notch 186 on cam control 184.

When the sold-out indicator rod 194 of a particular dispenser 32 movesupwardly into the position thereof illustrated in FIG. 11, the contactsof switch 206 open to preclude operation of the associated solenoid 136.The customer then can select a product from any of the remainingdispensers still containing products so long as his deposit equals orexceeds the price of an article selected.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. An article dispensing unit comprising:

a support having an article-receiving surface;

a pair of elongated, side-by-side, simultaneously rotatable,

helical article conveyors above said surface and each terminatingadjacent one margin of the support, the convolutions of respectiveconveyors winding in opposite directions relatively along correspondingaxes of rotation thereof and located in cooperative relationshipdefining a series of article-receiving spaces between respectivestretches thereof aligned transversely of the conveyors and with the endextremities thereof adjacent said one margin of the support beinglocated in dispositions wherein each is essentially a mirror imageposition of the other whereby articles received in the spaces rest onsaid surface of the support and slide therealong during operation of theconveyors; and power means operably coupled to the conveyors forsimultaneously rotating the latter in opposite directions throughrespective arcuate increments sufficient to effect successive dischargeof the articles from said one margin of the support upon successiveoperations of the conveyors, said power means including a rotatableclutch member provided with an actuator thereon mounted for rotationtherewith, a rotatable component carried by the support within the pathof travel of the actuator for rotation thereby during rotation of theclutch member, and gear means on'the support between said component andthe conveyors for rotating the latter in opposite directions in responseto rotation of the component in one direction by the actuator, saidsupport and conveyors thereon being shiftable relative to the clutchmember for facilitating reloading of the article-receiving spaces.

2. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said conveyorscomprises an elongated coil supported by said surface of the support,and said power means is connected to the ends of the coils remote fromsaid one margin of the support leaving the opposite ends of the coilsfree.

3. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said end extremities of theconveyors are each located in proximal relationship to said surface ofthe support when the conveyors are in their normal standby positions.

4. A unit as set forth in claim 3, wherein said power means includescontrol means operative to effect rotation of each of the conveyorsthrough 360 during each cycle of operation of the power means.

5. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support includes a pairof upright sides projecting upwardly from said surface of the supportoutboard of respective conveyors, and guide means carried by each of thesides and engageable with respective conveyors for maintaining thelatter in generally parallel relationship.

6. A unit as set forth in claim 5, wherein each of said conveyorscomprises an elongated coil, said power means being connected to theends of the coils remote from said one margin of the support leaving theopposite ends thereof free, and said guide means includes an elongatedmember extending longitudinally of each coil in proximal relationship tothe portions thereof adjacent respective sides.

7. A unit as set forth in claim 5, wherein each of said conveyorscomprises an elongated coil and wherein an elongated spacer bar isprovided within each of the coils in longitudinally extendingrelationship therewithin, said bars being disposed to maintain thearticles equidistant from said sides.

8. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said conveyors are located inhorizontally spaced relationship, there being an elongated sold-outindicator extending longitudinally of the conveyors in the spacetherebetween spring means connected to the indicator normallymaintaining the same above the surface of the support, and sensing meansassociated with said indicator means for sensing movement of theindicator from a position adjacent said surface of the support under theweight of one or more articles thereon, to a position above the supportsurface upon depletion of all of the articles initially carried thereby.

9. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said conveyorscomprises an elongated coil and a rotatable cylindrical element remotefrom said one margin of the support, the end of each coil proximal to arespective element being would therearound for rotation therewithleaving the opposite end of the coil free.

10. A unit as set forth in Claim 1, wherein is provided guidewaysslidably carrying the support for horizontal movement toward and awayfrom the clutch member, and means for releasably locking the support inthe normal disposition thereof with said component located to be engagedby the actuator on said clutch member.

11. An article dispensing unit comprising:

a plurality of elongated, generally parallel article supports eachprovided with a discharge margin at one end thereof;

rotatable article delivery means carried by each support for effectingdischarge of articles successively from a corresponding support oversaid margin thereof in response to successive operations of therespective delivery means;

a generally cylindrical, rotatable clutch member for each delivery meansadjacent the end thereof remote from said margin thereof;

an actuator shiftably carried by each clutch member for rotationtherewith and movable from a standby to an operated position;

means operably associated with each actuator for selectively shiftingthe latter from the standby to the operated position thereof;

a rotatable component carried by each support in disposition to berotated by the actuator of the clutch member associated with arespective delivery means when the corresponding actuator is in theoperated position thereof;

means intercoupling each delivery means with a respective component foroperation thereby; and

drive means for simultaneously rotating all of the clutch members uponselective shifting of one of the actuators to an operated position bythe operating means therefor, said drive means being operable to rotatethe clutch members through arcs sufficient to cause the componentengaged by the operated actuator to be rotated through an arc to rotatethe associated delivery means to an extent to effect delivery of anarticle from said margin of the respective support, said drive meansincluding a cable wound around the periphery of each clutch member andextending to the next adjacent clutch member, a prime mover operablyjoined to the cable for shifting the latter to rotate all of the clutchmembers, a shiftable element to the opposite ends of which the cable isconnected for movement of the cable as the element is shifted, and adrive assembly operably coupled to said element for shifting the latterfirst in one direction and then in the opposite direction to return theclutch members to their initial positions.

12. A unit as set forth in claim 11, wherein is provided actuator returnmeans adjacent each clutch member engageable with an associated actuatorin its operated position for returning the same to the standby positionthereof as the clutch members are returned to their initial positions bysaid drive assembly.

13. An article dispensing unit comprising:

a plurality of elongated, generally parallel article supports eachprovided with a discharge margin at one end thereof;

rotatable article delivery means carried by each support for effectingdischarge of articles successively from a corresponding support oversaid margin thereof in response to successive operations of therespective delivery means;

a rotatable clutch member for each delivery means adjacent the endthereof remote from said margin thereof;

an actuator shiftably carried by each clutch member for rotationtherewith and movable from a standby to an operated position;

drive means for simultaneously rotating all of the clutch means operablyassociated with each actuator for selectively shifting the latter fromthe standby to the operated position thereof;

a rotatable component carried by each support in disposition to berotated by the actuator of the clutch member associated with arespective delivery means when the corresponding actuator is in theoperated position thereof;

means intercoupling each delivery means with a respective component foroperation thereby; and

members upon selective shifting of one of the actuators to an operatedposition by the operating means therefor, said drive means beingoperable to rotate the clutch members through arcs sufficient to causethe component engaged by the operated actuator to be rotated through anarc to rotate the associated delivery means to an extent to effectdelivery of an article from said margin of the respective support, eachof said actuators being mounted for pivoting movement on a respectiveclutch member and has a cam arm projecting therefrom toward anassociated support for engaging the rotatable component thereon, therebeing toggle spring means between each clutch member and a respectiveactuator for biasing the latter toward one of the other of the positionsthereof.

14. A unit as set forth in claim 13, wherein said means for shiftingeach actuator comprises a solenoid provided with an armature located toengage a corresponding actuator and shift the latter from the standbyposition thereof to said actuated position upon energization of therespective solenoid.

15. A unit as set forth in claim 13, wherein is provided a series ofsaid supports arranged in vertical and horizontal rows, said clutchmembers being mounted for rotation about horizontally and verticallyspaced, parallel axes, and said drive means including a plurality ofcables, each connected to one row of clutch members for rotating thelatter, all of the cables being joined to a common drive assembly foroperation thereby'to effect simultaneous rotation of all of the clutchmembers.

1. An article dispensing unit comprising: a support having anarticle-receiving surface; a pair of elongated, side-by-side,simultaneously rotatable, helical article conveyors above said surfaceand each terminating adjacent one margin of the support, theconvolutions of respective conveyors winding in opposite directionsrelatively along corresponding axes of rotation thereof and located incooperative relationship defining a series of article-receiving spacesbetween respective stretches thereof aligned transversely of theconveyors and with the end extremities thereof adjacent said one marginof the support being located in dispositions wherein each is essentiallya mirror image position of the other whereby articles received in thespaces rest on said surface of the support and slide therealong duringoperation of the conveyors; and power means operably coupled to theconveyors for simultaneously rotating the latter in opposite directionsthrough respective arcuate increments sufficient to effect successivedischarge of the articles from said one margin of the support uponsuccessive operations of the conveyors, said power means including arotatable clutch member provided with an actuator thereon mounted forrotation therewith, a rotatable component carried by the support withinthe path of travel of the actuator for rotation thereby during rotationof the clutch member, and gear means on the support between saidcomponent and the conveyors for rotating the latter in oppositedirections in response to rotation of the component in one direction bythe actuator, said support and conveyors thereon being shiftablerelative to the clutch member for facilitating reloading of thearticlereceiving spaces.
 2. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein eachof said conveyors comprises an elongated coil supported by said surfaceof the support, and said power means is connected to the ends of thecoils remote from said one margin of the support leaving the oppositeends of the coils free.
 3. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidend extremities of the conveyors are each located in proximalrelationship to said surface of the support when the conveyors are intheir normal standby positions.
 4. A unit as set forth in claim 3,wherein said power means includes control means operative to effectrotation of each of the conveyors through 360* during each cycle ofoperation of the power means.
 5. A unit as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid support includes a pair of upright sides projecting upwardly fromsaid surface of the support outboard of respective conveyors, and guidemeans carried by each of the sides and engageable with respectiveconveyors for maintaining the latter in generally parallel relationship.6. A unit as set forth in claim 5, wherein each of said conveyorscomprises an elongated coil, said power means being connected to theends of the coils remote from said one margin of the support leaving theopposite ends thereof free, and said guide means includes an elongatedmember extending longitudinally of each coil in proximal relationship tothe portions thereof adjacent respective sides.
 7. A unit as set forthin claim 5, wherein each of said conveyors comprises an elongated coiland wherein an elongated spacer bar is provided within each of the coilsin longitudinally extending relationship therewithin, said bars beingdisposed to maintain the articles equidistant from said sides.
 8. A unitas set forth in claim 1, wherein said conveyors are located inhorizontally spaced relationship, there being an elongated sold-outindicator extending longitudinally of the conveyors in the spacetherebetween spring means connected to the indicator normallymaintaining the same above the surface of the support, and sensing meansassociated with said indicator means for sensing movement of theindicator from a position adjacent said surface of the support under theweight of one or more articles thereon, to a position above the supportsurface upon depletion of all of the articles initially carried thereby.9. A unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said conveyorscomprises an elongated coil and a rotatable cylindrical element remotefrom said one margin of the support, the end of each coil proximal to arespective element being would therearound for rotation therewithleaving the opposite end of the coil free.
 10. A unit as set forth inClaim 1, wherein is provided guideways slidably carrying the support forhorizontal movement toward and away from the clutch member, and meansfor releasably locking the support in the normal disposition thereofwith said component located to be engaged by the actuator on said clutchmember.
 11. An article dispensing unit comprising: a plurality ofelongated, generally parallel article supports each provided with adischarge margin at one end thereof; rotatable article delivery meanscarried by each support for effecting discharge of articles successivelyfrom a corresponding support over said margin thereof in response tosuccessive operations of the respective delivery means; a generallycylindrical, rotatable clutch member for each delivery means adjacentthe end thereof remote from said margin thereof; an actuator shiftablycarried by each clutch member for rotation therewith and movable from astandby to an operated position; means operably associated with eachactuator for selectively shifting the latter from the standby to theoperated position thereof; a rotatable component carried by each supportin disposition to be rotated by the actuator of the clutch memberassociated with a respective delivery means when the correspondingactuator is in the operated position thereof; means intercoupling eachdelivery means with a respective component for operation thereby; anddrive means for simultaneously rotating all of the clutch members uponselective shifting of one of the actuators to an operated position bythe operating means therefor, said drive means being operable to rotatethe clutch members through arcs sufficient to cause the componentengaged by the operated actuator to be rotated through an arc to rotatethe associated delivery means to an extent to effect delivery of anarticle from said margin of the respective support, said drive meansincluding a cable wound around the periphery of each clutch member andextending to the next adjacent clutch member, a prime mover operablyjoined to the cable for shifting the latter to rotate all of the clutchmembers, a shiftable element to the opposite ends of which the cable isconnected for movement of the cable as the element is shifted, and adrive assembly operably coupled to said element for shifting the latterfirst in one direction and then in the opposite direction to return theclutch members to their initial positions.
 12. A unit as set forth inclaim 11, wherein is provided actuator return means adjacent each clutchmember engageable with an associated actuator in its operated positionfor returning the same to the standby position thereof as the clutchmembers are returned to their initial positions by said drive assembly.13. An article dispensing unit comprising: a plurality of elongated,generally parallel article supports each provided with a dischargemargin at one end thereof; rotatable article delivery means carried byeach support for effecting discharge of articles successively from acorresponding support over said margin thereof in response to successiveoperations of the respective delivery means; a rotatable clutch memberfor each delivery means adjacent the end thereof remote from said marginthereof; an actuator shiftably carried by each clutch member forrotation therewith and movable from a standby to an operated position;means operably associated with each actuator for selectively shiftingthe latter from the standby to the operated position thereof; arotatable component carried by each support in disposition to be rotatedby the actuator of the clutch member associated with a respectivedelivery means when the corresponding actuator is in the operatedposition thereof; means intercoupling each delivery means with arespective component for operation thereby; and drive means forsimultaneously rotating all of the clutch members upon selectiveshifting of one of the actuators to an operated position by theoperating means therefor, said drive means being operable to rotate theclutch members through arcs sufficient to cause the component engaged bythe operated actuator to be rotated through an arc to rotate theassociated delivery means to an extent to effect delivery of an articlefrom said margin of the respective support, each of said actuators beingmounted for pivoting movement on a respective clutch member and has acam arm projecting therefrom toward an associated support for engagingthe rotatable component thereon, there being toggle spring means betweeneach clutch member and a respective actuator for biasing the lattertoward one of the other of the positions thereof.
 14. A unit as setforth in claim 13, wherein said means for shifting each actuatorcomprises a solenoid provided with an armature located to engage acorresponding actuator and shift the latter from the standby positionthereof to said actuated position upon energization of the respectivesolenoid.
 15. A unit as set forth in claim 13, wherein is provided aseries of said supports arranged in vertical and horizontal rows, saidclutch members being mounted for rotation about horizontally andvertically spaced, parallel axes, and said drive means including aplurality of cables, each connected to one row of clutch members forrotating the latter, all of the cables being joined to a common driveassembly for operation thereby to effect simultaneous rotation of all ofthe clutch members.